background information for our patients

Here is a working view of health and wellbeing according to Classical Chinese Medicine (CCM). You do not need to believe or have experience of this system to benefit. 

What is Qi (pronounced chee)?
Chinese medicine is built around the discovery and application of a phenomenon called Qi, or Life-Force. It animates all the beautiful, moment to moment, and interconnected processes of life all around and within each of us.

In our body qi can be compared to the movement of water through an organised and complex network of pipes. These are energetic pathways (aka channels or meridians) along which qi flows are depicted in acupuncture charts. The flow of qi in these channels is what mediates all the complex processes in the human body.

Three functioning levels of qi in our body 

• Wei qi (defensive) - circulates through sinews, skin, smooth muscles (digestive tract, heart muscle, sphincters, uterus, urinary tract)
• Ying qi (nutritive) - circulates with blood; mediates feelings sensed in the body
• Yuan qi (constitutional) - DNA, inheritance, identity etc.

What factors affect the quality and quantity of qi flow?
In the body the quality and quantity of qi flow needs to be just right. Several factors that affect this are categorised broadly as :

• State of mind 
• Food (quality, quantity, and timing)
• Lifestyle
• Climate

What is the most important factor affecting qi flow?
The state of mind is the single most important factor that affects the quality and quantity of qi flow. When our mind is at peace and therefore happy, the flow of qi is unobstructed. Physical processes are in harmony. This is a dynamic state of health. When we are unpeaceful and thus unhappy the flow of qi is disturbed and physical processes do not function so efficiently. We experience illness and sickness. If this state of imbalance is not corrected then physical changes will occur which will eventually show up in the blood chemistry as well as imaging techniques of Western medicine.

Health is the effective and efficient flow of qi throughout the entire body.

 How will this information be applied to get me feeling and functioning better?
There are a variety tools that are used to affect the quality and quantity of qi flow. We shall select the combination that is most appropriate your your particular health needs. The main tools we use to treat acupuncture needles as well as needle free techniques.

What can I do to help myself get better between treatments?
Drawing from well researched, simple and effective self-care methods of CCM, we shall prescribe you things to do at home such as

• qigong exercises
• diet modifications
• lifestyle
• simple and practical meditation

Where can I learn more about taking care of my health?
Yes. We have designed a programme of self-care called Care for Your Qi.